Cornrows are a cool and simple protective hairstyle that can last for weeks. There are numerous ways to style cornrows, and it looks good on both men and women. Over several decades, cornrows have continued to evolve and change, including innovate designs and patterns.
The History Of Cornrows
According to international stylist and educator Toni Love, cornrows go back at least 3000 years for women and for men. It goes back to the 19th century throughout parts of Africa. Cornrows became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, due to an interest in embracing Black pride and natural hairstyles.
In colonial America, enslaved Africans wore cornrows. The name came from how the braids looked neatly lined up, just like the rows of crops in the fields. In the Caribbean, this style was sometimes called canerows.
Enslaved people also wore cornrows as a simple way to wear their hair during the week. It was often styled on Sunday, which was the only off day that they had. They would also use cornrows as a communication code when they wanted to escape. The number of cornrows on a person’s head would let someone know certain meeting times or escape routes.
Black Women Wearing Cornrows in Media
Some Black female celebrities, such as Nina Simone, Valerie Simpson, Roberta Flack, and Cicely Tyson, proudly rocked their cornrows in the ’60s and ’70s. Still, their presence in media was limited to mostly Black publications. In 1979, white actress Bo Derek appeared in the movie 10 wearing cornrows, and this cultural appropriation soon led to the rise in other non-minority women who started wearing this style.
Is It Appropriation or Appreciation?
Oftentimes, fashion and beauty trends are started by Black people. However, there’s a double standard that exists, and the style is not celebrated. For example, cornrows carried a negative connotation, until Kim Kardashian wore them. Then, the iconic style that has origins in the Black community for decades became known as “boxer braids.”
There’s a stark difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation. It’s a fine line that often gets crossed. Cultural appropriation is “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices [and] ideas.” The “boxer braids” movement stands as a clear example of cultural appropriation. It completely erased the history of the style and was glorified without giving any credit to the originators.
Cultural appreciation happens when someone looks to understand the history behind the tradition of another culture. It happens when people take the time to study and research the origins. It lies in giving credit and acknowledgement to the originators.
Cornrows In The Modern Day
Cornrows always have been and continue to be a staple in Black households. With modern innovation and designs, the iconic style has evolved, delivering more intricate designs. From stars to hearts, cornrows offer versality and flexibility, along with the protective style benefits.
One of the best tools to use for styling cornrows is a skinny rat-tail comb. This helps you achieve the neatness to make this style look fabulous. Remember to add hair only to the middle section rather than the left and right sections of your cornrows. It’s also important for your hair to be moisturized before braiding.